LIVERPOOL is one step closer to getting a pedestrianised “gay quarter” in the city centre.

Public consultation into the proposed ban on night-time traffic in Stanley Street, Cumberland Street and Eberle Street will start on Wednesday, July 2.

The streets have become the focus for Liverpool’s gay scene and are home to popular bars and clubs.

Letters explaining the scheme will be sent out to business owners and people living in or close to the unofficial gay quarter.

They will have their say on the plans to close the streets with rising bollards between 6pm and 6am.

Those needing night-time access to off-street car parking will be issued with proximity cards that automatically lower the bollard.

Supporters of the idea said the area would become Liverpool’s answer to Canal Street, Manchester’s hugely successful gay village.

City centre councillor Nick Small said the night-time pedestrianisation would improve nightlife and boost business.

He said: “I think the night-time closure is a really good idea.

“There would be an impact on traffic flows around the city centre if Stanley Street was closed all day.

“But we are trying to create a cluster of gay-friendly businesses around that part of the city, building on what is already there.

“This is something the night-time businesses have been pushing strongly for, but the feedback I have had from daytime businesses has been fine.”

He said: “The next step is to receive formal designation from the council and create a new way to bring money into Liverpool. At the moment, the city is losing out to Manchester and Leeds quite significantly.”

Liberal councillor Steve Radford, co-chairman of Liverpool’s Gay Business Association, said the plans would benefit the whole community.”